LONGMONT -- Green glitter eye shadow and high heels are not part of comedian Todd Simmonds' daily routine, but they're everyday wear for his stage character, Mona Lott.

Simmonds developed a drag queen alter ego for a stand-up audition in Las Vegas but kept her around for her big mouth.

"I talk about a lot of popular trends and hot topics, and Mona can say a lot of things that I can't get away with," Simmonds said. "You don't mess with a 45-year-old, 300-pound man with boobs this big."

"Right now, we have the dinner theater, which is age appropriate and draws more of the 30-plus crowd, and children's theater, which draws a lot of kids and families," Bohnen said. "Friday nights are our adult comedy nights, so we're trying to pull in the younger demographic since we don't have much for them."

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The R-rated show began earlier this month and includes a stand-up routine that Simmonds said is different every show but often includes complaints about panty hose and fake boobs.

The act is followed by four bingo games led by Mona, who spends most of the time cracking jokes, singing and heckling her audience.

"It's very interactive," Simmonds said.

The raunchy show is meant to introduce drag culture to small towns like Longmont, he said.

Todd Simmonds dresses up in drag for his character, Mona Lott, before drag queen bingo at the Jesters Dinner Theatre in Longmont on March 15. To see more photos and a video visit www.TimesCall.com.
(
Greg Lindstrom
)

"They (the audience) should leave their inhibitions and perceptions at home," Simmonds said. "I'm challenging the perceptions of how people in small towns react to things that aren't quiet and comfortable."

Bohnen said pushing the envelope is part of what Jesters' staff is hoping will bring in the younger crowd.

"Personally, I think it's a great show, very unique," Bohnen said.

Simmonds, who was raised in Loveland, saw success with his outrageous character in Las Vegas, where Mona starred in a weekly comedy show at the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino and appeared on Comedy Central's "The Gong Show" with Dave Attell.

In 2011, Simmonds moved back to Colorado and hosted drag queen bingo for sold-out crowds in Loveland. This spring, Simmonds has bingo shows scheduled in Greeley, Lafayette and Denver.

Todd Simmonds dresses up in drag for his character, Mona Lott, before drag queen bingo at Jesters Dinner Theatre in Longmont on March 15.
(
Greg Lindstrom
)

Green wigs and 2-inch-long false eyelashes get more of a reaction in Colorado than they did in Vegas, Simmonds said, but 30 years of acting and life experience has helped him, and his alter ego, develop a tough skin.

"I'm very self-assured and if you don't like it, then tough," Simmonds said. "It takes a lot of balls to play bingo with this drag queen."

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